The Roarhttp://theroar.marincatholic.org
The student news site of Marin CatholicMon, 12 Mar 2018 02:15:46 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.6Opinion: DACA’s Demise Affects Us Allhttp://theroar.marincatholic.org/2107/news/opinion-dacas-demise-affects-us-all/
http://theroar.marincatholic.org/2107/news/opinion-dacas-demise-affects-us-all/#respondMon, 22 Jan 2018 03:20:20 +0000http://theroar.marincatholic.org/?p=2107Beginning in September, an issue that has been on the minds of many Americans is the survival of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals immigration policy, more popularly known as DACA. Under the current administration this protective legislation could be revoked, leaving hundreds of thousands of young, undocumented immigrants at risk of being deported. The decision has been left entirely up to Congress and they have been given a small window of time to decide whether to protect this important legislation.

DACA was put into effect during the Obama administration in 2012 to protect young children brought over to the United States by their parents in the hopes of having a better life. To be eligible under the protection of DACA, applicants had to arrive before they were sixteen years old and have lived in the United States since June 15th of 2007. DACA’s enactment allowed for these undocumented immigrants to obtain a valid driver’s license, enroll in college, and most importantly, legally obtain jobs. Under DACA, immigrants known commonly as Dreamers can defer from deportation and legally reside in the U.S. for two years without being forced to leave. However, now that the Trump administration has decided to end the renewal of applications for DACA, many immigrants are now facing the threat of their applications expiring and being deported.

The main issue for these young immigrants is that America is their home. The average age of those entering the United States with their parents is six years old and has caused Dreamers to have very little recollection of their original homelands. Many of these immigrants are now enrolled in colleges across the country and are even active members in our military. By deporting hundreds of thousands of young people, the United States will lose so many positive members of our society. And while many anti-DACA Americans may think that these young immigrants are criminals bringing in drugs and getting a free ride into the United States, nothing could be further from the truth. Every one of the immigrants that are protected under DACA has to pay income taxes. Also, statistically, Dreamers have much lower incarceration rates than people born in America of the same age and level of education. Once DACA applications begin to officially start expiring, the U.S could begin to see as many as 938 people lose their protections under DACA per day. Some may think that there is still hope for Dreamers to remain in the United States. However, any deal that would protect these young Americans would have to meet an extensive list of criteria that are nearly impossible to follow.

While the lives of so many young, promising immigrants hang in the balance, we must all remind ourselves that these issues are occurring in our own backyard. While it may seem like a problem so far removed from our daily lives, we forget how many of our friends and neighbors may be under the protection of DACA. These are people with immeasurable amounts of potential to be active and engaging members in our society. To send these positive and hopeful young immigrants back to countries they hardly even remember would be not only a tragedy for those under DACA but also to the United States as a whole.

]]>http://theroar.marincatholic.org/2107/news/opinion-dacas-demise-affects-us-all/feed/0Opinion: What we can learn from Charlottesvillehttp://theroar.marincatholic.org/2062/news/opinion-what-we-can-learn-from-charlottesville/
http://theroar.marincatholic.org/2062/news/opinion-what-we-can-learn-from-charlottesville/#respondFri, 22 Sep 2017 19:47:20 +0000http://theroar.marincatholic.org/?p=2062The entire nation was sent into turmoil over the neo-Nazi/white supremacist rally that occurred in Charlottesville, Virginia this August. When the “Unite the Right” rally began on August 11, many people fully expected for the rally to turn violent towards the KKK’s usual victims of the African American community, but were surprised when the majority of violence was directed at those of Jewish descent. The neo-Nazi supporters surrounding the Robert E. Lee statue on the University of Virginia’s campus originally seemed to be expressing racist sentiments, crying out their dislike for the African American members of their communities.That perspective quickly changed after the chanting of “Blood and Soil” began to ring in the ears of those observing this terrifying rally.

As the Unite the Right rally continued over the next couple of days, many violent clashes between neo-Nazis and white supremacists against protesters occurred. Protesters and their white supremacist counterparts were armed with pepper spray, flame throwers, and homemade riot gear, causing tensions to rise. Eventually protests became so violent that a white supremacist supporter mowed down protesters loitering in the street with his car, killing one and injuring several more people in the crowd. By then, many people viewing this outstanding display of violence knew that things were getting out of hand, and the murder of an innocent woman only cemented those feelings within people upset with this hateful rally.

Probably the most controversial piece in this whole event is how Donald Trump responded to the issue. In his first press conference on the matter, President Trump mentioned how he believed blame should be put on both sides for the violence that many believed was started by the white supremacists in Charlottesville. Trump went on to defend his remark by saying that there was one side that was bad and another side that was extremely violent. This statement went on to cause outrage among many citizens of Charlottesville and the rest of the nation. Many other Republican officials immediately spoke out against Trump, saying that assigning 50% of the blame for the violence on white supremacists would be considered a “win” for the racist and anti-Semitic groups. As someone who was elected president of a very diverse country, Trump has not been doing the best job of standing up for those outside of the straight white community, and many desire a change in his actions.

While what occurred in Charlottesville could be defended as freedom of speech, and should be respected as a first amendment right, I think that we should all be reminded of the connotations that come with accepting bigotry in our country. Remembering what happened during events such as the Holocaust and how the activities of the Klu Klux Klan have affected our community at home are extremely important in realizing what we must do in the case of a similar rally occurring in our home state. If we let the intolerance and hatred of these people continue, we are allowing them to think that their persecution and prejudice is acceptable in our country, and we must never allow something so terrible to occur. What happened in Charlottesville is a direct reflection of how divided our country is at the moment and shows just how uncertain the possibility of ever feeling united again is.

]]>http://theroar.marincatholic.org/2062/news/opinion-what-we-can-learn-from-charlottesville/feed/0What Is CRISPR, and why should I care?http://theroar.marincatholic.org/2050/news/what-is-crispr-and-why-should-i-care/
http://theroar.marincatholic.org/2050/news/what-is-crispr-and-why-should-i-care/#respondFri, 22 Sep 2017 19:44:05 +0000http://theroar.marincatholic.org/?p=2050CRISPR is a method of changing the DNA code for humans by making it less defective to diseases and preventing them from happening. CRISPR stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats. Francisco Mojica, a scientist from the University of Alicante in Spain, developed CRISPR because he wanted to help defend against viruses,but it has lead to so much more. As CRISPR repeats the “sequences genetic code,” the cells become more proficient against viruses. The technology was first used in 2007. 5 years later the Zhang lab tested CRISPR on mouses and human cells and they published the first method of CRISPR.CRISPR is a method of changing the DNA code for humans by making it less defective to diseases and preventing them from happening. CRISPR stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats. Francisco Mojica, a scientist from the University of Alicante in Spain, developed CRISPR because he wanted to help defend against viruses,but it has lead to so much more. As CRISPR repeats the “sequences genetic code,” the cells become more proficient against viruses. The technology was first used in 2007. 5 years later the Zhang lab tested CRISPR on mouses and human cells and they published the first method of CRISPR. To use CRISPR, scientists find the specific parts of the DNA, and then use “Cas-9 which is one of the enzymes produced by the CRISPR system” to “binds to the DNA and [cut] it, shutting the targeted gene off.” In this instance, that targeted gene is the one that allows the DNA to search for abnormalities in the sequence. It’s used to help the sequence of the human genome to prevent the genetic diseases involving the genes of DNA. There two different methods of CRISPR–he CRISPR-Cph1 and CRISPR-Cas9. They both do the same job, but there are major differences between the two. CRISPR-Cph1 is different from other genome editing methods because it doesn’t need to have a “Cleaving enzymes” and specific RNA. Additionally, the CRISPR-Cph1 forms 2 complex RNAs that are smaller than those produced by other methods, which makes the changing sequence more simple. The CRISPR-Pf1 cuts differently than the CRISPR-Cas9, making it more efficient, more accurate, easier to fix mistakes and easier to target the human genome.Over time, CRISPR technology has helped prevent cancer and mental illnesses, and the Zhang lab has trained thousands to learn the CRISPR method. Now more than 40,000 scientists from across the globe are are trained in the usage of CRISPR. The new technology is making it possible to cure the impossible, and making the future generations ahead of us more advanced. So don’t be too surprised when that the diseases that once incurable can be treated.
]]>http://theroar.marincatholic.org/2050/news/what-is-crispr-and-why-should-i-care/feed/0Dance Team: Who’s Got that Wildcat Beat?http://theroar.marincatholic.org/2057/student-life/dance-team-whos-got-that-wildcat-beat/
http://theroar.marincatholic.org/2057/student-life/dance-team-whos-got-that-wildcat-beat/#respondSat, 16 Sep 2017 05:01:20 +0000http://theroar.marincatholic.org/?p=2057 “There is something about strength in numbers that has power to it”, says Kenzie Morgenlander about the new cheer team this year. In past years at Marin Catholic, many students have neglected to acknowledge the cheer team along with the rest of our sports teams. But the new and improved team has really noticed a more positive environment at both practices and performances. A goal for the team this year is to grow stronger, to gain increased respect, and to have cheer be recognized as the demanding sport it is.

The team is trying to get the student body to be more supportive of them and what they do. Supporting them throughout their rebranding is definitely important to them, and will help them maintain their motivation to cheer and keep their good attitudes!

This year, the team captains, Gemmajean Patterson, Kenzie Morgenlander, and Danielle Chan, are really trying to transfer from being a dance team to a cheer team, which means going from a more “flowy type style, to harder, sharper moves.” They are also hoping to be able to participate in MCALs for cheer, in the upcoming years and are looking forward to being able to do level changes, similar to stunts.

This past summer, a handful of the teammates attended a summer camp aimed at team bonding and improved skill. They are hopeful that next year the entire squad–twenty-eight women strong–will be able to attend.

If you are interested in helping out the team, get out to the games and cheer along with them in the stands. Let’s show those Wildcats who cheer to support us our support for them!

]]>http://theroar.marincatholic.org/2057/student-life/dance-team-whos-got-that-wildcat-beat/feed/0Humans of Marin Catholic: Kristen Bell, Ms. Collins, Mr. Manfredihttp://theroar.marincatholic.org/2052/student-life/humans-of-marin-catholic-kristen-bell-ms-collins-mr-manfredi/
http://theroar.marincatholic.org/2052/student-life/humans-of-marin-catholic-kristen-bell-ms-collins-mr-manfredi/#respondSat, 16 Sep 2017 04:48:30 +0000http://theroar.marincatholic.org/?p=2052A reader favorite, Humans of Marin Catholic has returned. It’s a light, quick read, and a great way to get to know members of the MC community.

Kristen Bell

The Roar: What are you most looking forward to during your senior year?

Kristen Bell: I’m looking forward to Kairos the most, to be able to meet new people and get to know teacher’s better. I’m excited to go out to breakfast with my little Kairos family. I’m super excited for the Senior vs. faculty basketball game, too even though I’m terrible but I it’s gonna be so fun. And of course Senior Ball and Senior privileges.

The Roar: What are you happiest about right now?

Kristen: I’m psyched to be eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and psyched to be being interviewed. I’m also excited to work out at the girls only work out. Oh also, my brother has made me a 3D printed cat fidget spinner, which is pretty cool.

The Roar: How do you feel about your resting worried face?

Kristen: Oh yes, it’s not a blessing or a curse, but many teachers stop class to ask why I’m so worried and stressed out. I guess I realized I have a resting worried face, I can’t help it, it doesn’t feel like I’m worried so it’s not the worst thing in the world.

The Roar: One word of advice you have for freshman?

Reach out more and try new things and try to get involved. Give everything a chance and don’t be afraid to expand outside of your circle.

Mr. Manfredi

What do you wish you knew in High School?

Mr. Manfredi: I wish I knew how unimportant everything I went through in high school actually was and that I had the clarity that the future and everything that God has in store for us is so much bigger than high school.

What are you happiest about?

Mr. Manfredi: That I have two healthy, beautiful children and a happy, healthy wife.

What do you most like about MC?

Mr. Manfredi:The people, the faculty, staff, students; everyone.

How are the freshman?

Mr. Manfredi: I love freshman. This class so far, a few weeks in, is fantastic. They’re already asking questions and raising hands. I’ve already taught them the Alma Mater, so they’re learning that.

Ms. Collins: Often times students ask for more serious drugs than ibuprofen, like Tums and things that I don’t have.

What do you love most about MC?

Ms. Collins: The kids. Years ago, when I started, people said “Oh high school kids that’s horrible” and I thought something must be wrong with me, because I love high school kids and always enjoy talking to them.

What do you wish you could tell the high schoolers?

Ms. Collins: To keep your chin up and get involved and make new friends. I went to MC and I got really involved with activities, clubs and student council. l hope I’m making MC a better place and that students feel they can come to me for most anything. Even if I don’t have what they want I can direct them to the right place or ask what’s bothering them. I was once called the air traffic controller and I really liked that. My hope is that the kids feel like they can come to me.

]]>http://theroar.marincatholic.org/2052/student-life/humans-of-marin-catholic-kristen-bell-ms-collins-mr-manfredi/feed/0Simple Service: Ideas to get your Christian Service Hours done quicklyhttp://theroar.marincatholic.org/1992/student-life/simple-service-ideas-to-get-your-christian-service-hours-done-quickly/
http://theroar.marincatholic.org/1992/student-life/simple-service-ideas-to-get-your-christian-service-hours-done-quickly/#respondTue, 15 Aug 2017 18:37:02 +0000http://theroar.marincatholic.org/?p=1992Everyone knows how vital service hours are to the Marin Catholic community, but sometimes it feels like there is never enough time to complete the required 100. However, there are many easy ways to receive service hours while staying local and having a good time! Participating in service work can be an unexpected, engaging activity to do with your friends while still being a part of the community and making a positive difference. So whether you are trying to complete the minimum 100 hours or shoot for the stars and go above and beyond the benchmark, (200 Club, am I right?) these service opportunities are a fun way to complete your hours.

SF Marin Food Bank

The SF-Marin Food Bank has two locations, one in South Novato as well as San Francisco, and is open nearly everyday of the week. As someone who frequently visits this organization, I can vouch that the food bank is very fun to work at. Volunteers normally work in three hour shifts with a half hour break in the middle.

While working, volunteers can expect to work on sorting various types of produce, meat, or even condiments into large boxes that will later be taken to the local food pantry as well as work on bagging rice into small plastic bags and sealing them up. While this work may seem repetitive and boring, it is actually quite fun and can also be used to take your mind off of anything that is currently stressing you out. Shifts on the weekends normally begin at 9 o’clock in the morning but they are quick to fill up! Go to www.sfmfoodbank.org for more details.

St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin

The Marin chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul Society is located in San Rafael and is a vital part of the community in supporting the homeless and impoverished of Marin. There are a portion of our service hours that must be spent with the homeless, and St. Vincent’s is a great place to spend those hours at. Depending on the time and day that you work, volunteers can expect to either work in the kitchen chopping vegetables and preparing the day’s meals, working in the back room packaging up different snack foods into Ziploc bags to hand out to people on their way out, or serving people in the dining room. Before volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul, volunteers must participate in a short introduction at the venue to become familiarized with the facility. After completion of the introduction, volunteers can work shifts that last from and hour and a half to two hours. St. Vincent’s is an amazing place that really focuses on helping the homeless and impoverished men, women, and children of our community. Go to www.vinnies.org for more information on how to get involved.

Gilead House

Gilead House is an organization in Novato that focuses on helping homeless, single mothers with children get back on their feet. If you are looking to volunteer somewhere outside of food service, Gilead House is definitely the place to go. Volunteers can take part in childcare while the mothers of the home learn valuable life skills for when they go out into the world or join Gilead House on one of their many service days where volunteers take part in tasks like gardening, painting the house, and other repairs. Volunteers can stay for either an hour or two hours and hang out with some of the many excited, young children running around the house, or participate in one of their service days, coming up on August 19, September 16, October 21, and November 18. As someone who has done a large chunk of her service hours at Gilead House, I can assure everyone that working here is a blast. The kids are always excited to see someone new in the house and to have someone to play with. If you like working with children and are ready to handle anything that gets thrown at you, Gilead House is the place to go! Visit www.gileadhouse.org for information on volunteering and lending a helping hand.

These are just a handful of the wonderful service sites where MC students can volunteer. If you would like a broader list of different service venues in Marin County, check the Forms and Links section on MC Connect, and have a fun and fulfilling time serving those in your community!

The school year is just beginning, but already ASB is hard at work. In the coming weeks, we’ll be busy planning rallies and getting ready for Homecoming. But first, we want to give you all a preview of what’s to come this year.

Before we address the new, the exciting, and the upcoming, we want to give a warm welcome to the Class of 2021 and all transfer students! MC has always been a tight-knit community filled with opportunity. So, to all the students who are new on campus, get involved, join a sports team or a club, experiment with a new elective and challenge yourself with an Honors or AP class!

It’s always difficult to get readjusted to school, to the lectures and the homework. Our goal is to make the transition easier by organizing lunch time activities, spirit days, and so much more. Though academics are a priority, we want you to enjoy your high school experience, so let one of us know if you have an idea that might relieve some of the pressures of school life.

Now on to the plans and ideas we have. This year we want rallies to be even better. That’s why we’ll be having rally sign ups for those students who are excited to get involved, more information to come very soon.

In addition, we have countless ideas for new activities. From easter egg hunts and new rally games to more exciting announcements and courtyard activities.

Our goal, first and foremost, is to make the 2017-2018 school year memorable, and to do that not only do we need to work hard, we also need your help. So, be spirited, live the values of faith, knowledge and service each day, and always be proud Wildcats.

Have a great year MC and we’ll see you soon,

Your 2017-2018 ASB

If you have any suggestions or questions get in touch! Come up to one of us on campus, email Alex, our ASB President or reach us on the mcwildcats Instagram page.

“You’ll make sure you tell her how you always wear your mouthguard because you don’t want to mess up your smile, right?” With a laugh Spencer Petras replied, “Of course Dr. Kaplan!” then explained, “That’s my orthodontist.” The six-foot-five Bay Area native is used to being noticed, but lately it’s been for his promising athletic potential, not his smile. On May 29th, Spencer Petras, Marin Catholic’s Varsity Quarterback, committed to Oregon State University. The Roar sat down with Spencer this summer to talk about his recent commitment, his football career, and what the future may hold.

Though dreams of playing college football had always been on the horizon, in his first year at Marin Catholic, Spencer Petras battled for the Freshman Team Quarterback spot. In the second game of his freshman season, Petras broke his arm, but despite his injury Petras attended every practice, cheering on his teammates, and demonstrating his commitment. The end of his first season was only the beginning of his recruitment journey. “For me [the process] started early, so Freshman year I started going to different camps, run by different colleges, and just trying to show off what I can do as a player. I think that’s the same for most […] who are trying to go to college [for football].”

As a sophomore, Petras returned to Dino Ghilotti Stadium, earning the starting Quarterback spot on Marin Catholic’s Junior Varsity Team, and spent this past year as the starting Quarterback on the Varsity Team. As the Wildcats ended their 2016 season, the recruiting process began to speed up. “The offseason from Junior to Senior year is a big one, that’s when [colleges] start to offer.” said Petras, who received an impressive fourteen.

While Petras received his offers and made his final selection, a flurry of articles detailing his selection process were published, one even claiming “Oregon State has its quarterback of the future.” (The Oregonian) Though he brushed off claims of being “Quarterback of the future,” Spencer did agree with his coach Mazi Moayed’s assessment. In a story printed in the Marin Independent Journal, Moayed identified Petras’ coachability and work ethic as some of his most impressive qualities. “I mean, it’s good to be known as a hard worker. Being coachable and a good leader, that’s how I’d like to be known.” said Petras.

In the end, it came down to four schools–UC Berkeley, San Diego State University, Syracuse University and, of course, Oregon State University. Noting the impact Marin Catholic’s football program had on his decision, Petras stressed his appreciation for MC’s Head Coach, Mazi Moayed, who played an integral role in the recruitment process. “Coach Maz wouldn’t make the decision for me, but he was huge in helping me evaluate all aspects of a school before I made my decision. He’s an incredible coach, and his ability to help players with recruiting is second to none.” When asked why he chose Oregon State, Petras simply said, “There were a lot of reasons, but mainly it had to do with the fit for me as a person there. I was looking at a lot of awesome schools, but I feel like I fit in the best socially, academically, and athletically at Oregon State.” Indeed “finding your fit” is the mantra of many college counselors, who stress the importance of finding a school with an appropriate balance between one’s ideal academic life, social scene, and in some cases athletic involvement.

As he finds his footing within the collegiate football scene, Spencer is also adjusting to his new role as somewhat of a public figure. “I think that, going to Marin Catholic, you have to set a good example in your community, and that just gets heightened when you play football at Marin Catholic.” The Oregon-bound athlete is no longer just a member of the Marin Catholic community, as of early August, he’s also the only current student followed by Marin Catholic’s Twitter account–a popular network for potential athletic recruits and fans alike.

The narrative of a Marin Catholic Quarterback headed to a Division One school for Football may sound familiar. Jared Goff, ‘13, attended Marin Catholic, where he lead his team to a State title game. The Quarterback then went on to UC Berkeley, where he started his Freshman season opener. Goff then left Cal after three seasons, and was drafted to the Los Angeles Rams as the first overall pick during the 2016 NFL draft. With an offer from Cal on the table, some have begun to speculate: Is Spencer Petras the next Jared Goff? At first, Petras said “Emotionally, it was big, especially seeing everything that went on with Jared, and how successful he was, it was like ‘whoa.’” But with his athletic career on the line, Petras could not afford to make an emotionally charged decision. “When it got down to it, I didn’t really let the emotion or stuff like that get into it. I’m a totally different person and I’ve got to choose to go on the path that’s right for me.” said Petras.

Though Spencer Petras ultimately chose Oregon State over Cal, like Goff, he will be leaving Kentfield after the first semester of his Senior Year, to join his new team in Corvallis for the 2018 Spring Semester. The decision to join the Beavers for practice could prove advantageous as Petras fights for Oregon State’s starting Quarterback spot.

Academically, Petras hasn’t decided what he’d like to pursue, but noted “I’ve always been interested in sports and athletics, so I’ve thought about sports medicine and kinesiology. But what I’d love is to play in the NFL, that’s my dream, and my goal.” Would Petras, following in the footsteps of other promising collegiate Quarterbacks, leave the Beavers early to pursue his NFL dreams? “It depends on the situation. A degree is huge, but I think if any player in college has the opportunity to play in the NFL, it’s important to consider seizing the opportunity.”

Right now, however, the Quarterback is focusing on more immediate goals. Marin Catholic will take the field for their first preseason game on August 26th, and it’s clear that Spencer Petras is excited. “Watch out for Marin Catholic football this year, it’s going to be a big year. If we reach our potential, it will be a special year for MC Football.” Petras said, with a smile. Here at The Roar, we certainly hope so. On behalf of the Marin Catholic Community, we wish Spencer and his teammates the best of luck in their future endeavors, both on and off the field.

]]>http://theroar.marincatholic.org/2001/student-life/oregon-bound-spencer-petras-18-on-his-commitment-to-oregon-state/feed/0The Olympics: The Road to South Koreahttp://theroar.marincatholic.org/1997/sports/the-olympics-the-road-to-south-korea/
http://theroar.marincatholic.org/1997/sports/the-olympics-the-road-to-south-korea/#respondTue, 15 Aug 2017 05:43:34 +0000http://theroar.marincatholic.org/?p=1997Here they come, once again–the world has begun to prepare for the Olympics. The Winter games will commence on February 9th in South Korea, and end on the 25th. The Olympic events will primarily be held in the skiing town of PyeongChang (not to be confused with the North Korean capital Pyongyang), while two other cities will be hosting some other events. For South Korea, this will be the second time the games will be held in the country, the first being in 1988.

While the South Koreans are seemingly excited to host the games, many citizens are upset because of the cost. The Gangwon province, which will be hosting the games, has accumulated a debt of over $1.5 billion US dollars. The central government has been aiding the providence with money to build some structures but the Gangwon province says that the $60 million given is not enough. Many locals and officials are worried about what will happen when the games are over and the small cities are left with twelve new competition venues and massive debts.

This story does seems familiar, in fact many Olympics have been deemed financial failures because the cities exceeded their budgets. Oxford University studied the budgets for Olympic cities between 1962 and 2012 and found that on average hosts go 179% over budget during the preparation phase. The estimated cost of the Olympics in PyeongChang is over $10 billion, which is a far cry from the cost of first modern Olympic games, a mere $74,000, and yet still put Athens in debt.

With over 2,800 athletes gearing up to compete in 102 medalling events, there is sure to be no shortage of celebration–except maybe from US Hockey fans. An official announcement from the NHL told the press that no members from the league would be taking the two week break from the middle of the season to represent team USA. The United states will still have a team, it will just be of non-NHL players. Some familiar names who will be returning for the USA include Bode Miller, Julia Mancuso, Lindsey Vonn, and Gracie Gold. There are many more athletes and many sports to watch, so get out you red white and blue. For the next several months, we will all need to wish the best of luck to our athletes and cross our fingers for PyeongChang in its final stages of preparation!

]]>http://theroar.marincatholic.org/1997/sports/the-olympics-the-road-to-south-korea/feed/0Art Extravaganza A Success Once Againhttp://theroar.marincatholic.org/1977/student-life/art-extravaganza-a-success-once-again/
http://theroar.marincatholic.org/1977/student-life/art-extravaganza-a-success-once-again/#respondTue, 25 Apr 2017 15:46:10 +0000http://theroar.marincatholic.org/?p=1977On April 1st, the usual students and snacks were absent from the Student Center. Gone were the tables, the stacks of chairs, and the usual commotion of lunch at Marin Catholic. Instead, the space had been transformed into a gallery, celebrating the work of over 150 of MC’s student artists.

The 9th annual Art Extravaganza, held on Saturday, April 5-7, featured ceramics, photography, painting and drawing. Established in 2009, the show was intended to showcase the talents of Marin Catholic’s advanced art students, and allow all members of the MC community to celebrate their work. Each student in each upper division art course submitted one to three pieces to be displayed and judged by a panel of local professionals in each category.

Judging the ceramics category was award-winning sculptor and painter Joseph Kowalczyk. Drawing was judged by Vincent Serritella, an accomplished artist and visual effects animator. Susan Schneider, a Marin County native and self-taught artist, judged the painting category. The Photography category was judged by Kevin Lozaw, a celebrated Bay Area photographer, and Marion Little, a professional photographer and an MC alumna. In each category, the judges awarded an Honorable Mention, 1st through 3rd place, and a Judge’s Favorite award.

Students were able to select which pieces they submitted, resulting in a unique collection of student-curated pieces. The Roar spoke with Grace Redman ‘18 about her piece, “Out of My Mind”. “I thought it would be cool if instead of birds around someone’s head, I did planets. It’s on cardboard too, which is an interesting medium.” Ms. Susan Schneider, must have agreed, as “Out of My Mind” won the Judge’s Choice award for painting.

The event is not only a celebration of the student’s efforts, but also a reflection of how the art teachers have inspired their students. “I love to see the culmination of all the hard work the students have done, and the diversity of selections” said Ms. Laurie Reemsnyder (Photography). Mr. Mark Jaeger (Ceramics) had a similar reaction when asked about the show. “Too see all that effort come to such a beautiful result is fantastic” said Jaeger. “For [the students] to feel that appreciation, to know that the public cares, is really the ultimate goal.” Indeed, the show was attended by all members of the Marin Catholic community, who converged to recognize and appreciate the art of the students.

Parent Jennifer Skinner highlighted the unique opportunity the event provides. “The reason why I love this event is that it showcases talent that classmates don’t normally get to see from one another, and it brings together all these different groups of kids. There’s athletes here, there’s musicians here, there’s kids who are academic and you see this side of them that you don’t normally get to see.”

The night culminated with a presentation of the awards, emceed by Mr. Mark Jaeger. Twenty students were recognized for their outstanding achievements, including Paige Mohderson ‘18, who won the People’s Choice Award. Her painting, “Tiger Eyes”, received the most votes from attendees, though the competition was tight. “For me, the best part about the art extravaganza is never getting an award, but rather seeing all the talent in MC’s art department and appreciating it along with everyone else. Winning the People’s Choice Award this year made the experience even more special and I feel more motivated than ever to create more of what I love.” said Mohderson.

As always, the event was an extraordinary success, and served as a unique opportunity to celebrate the student’s creativity and artistic talents.